Elevate your sandwich game with this Ultimate Gourmet ciabatta creation! Loaded with savory deli meats, melty Monterey Jack cheese, and a zesty pesto butter spread, all topped off with a crunchy coleslaw for the perfect balance of flavors and textures!
It’s the ultimate sandwich experience. Simple to make, yet packed with bold, delicious bites!
If you love quick & easy meals like this, you're going to love my grilled cheese burrito & marry me chicken pasta as well!
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Ingredients
- Ciabatta (Italian Bread)
- Cooked Ham
- Spicy Salami
- Pancetta
- Monterey Jack Cheese
- Tomatoes
- Kosher Salt
- Black Pepper
- Balsamic Glaze
- Cabbage
- Caesar Dressing (homemade or store-bought)
- Pesto
- Butter
- Parsley
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Add butter parsley mixture & toast!
Add salamis, cheese & toast again!
Add veggies...
Serve & enjoy!
- Prepare the Ciabatta: Slice the ciabatta loaf in half horizontally to create your sandwich base.
- Pesto Butter Spread: Generously spread the pesto butter on the cut sides of the ciabatta. Place the halves in the air fryer or oven, and broil until they reach a perfectly golden, crisp texture.
- Layer the Ingredients: Begin assembling the sandwich by layering your choice of deli meats, followed by fresh tomato slices. Lightly sprinkle a pinch of kosher salt over the tomatoes to enhance the flavors.
- Melt the Cheese: Place slices of Monterey Jack cheese on top and return the sandwich to the air fryer or oven until the cheese melts into a luscious layer.
- Add Finishing Touches: Crack some fresh black pepper over the melted cheese for a subtle kick.
- Coleslaw Perfection: Finally, add a generous amount of your coleslaw mixture on top, then close the sandwich.
Enjoy the delicious, gourmet creation!
Substitutions
- Ciabatta: Substitute with a baguette, sourdough, or focaccia for different textures and flavors.
- Pesto Butter Spread: Use garlic herb butter or a sun-dried tomato spread for a different twist. For a lighter option, try hummus or avocado spread.
- Deli Meats: Swap for grilled chicken, turkey bacon, or smoked tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Tomatoes: Use roasted red peppers, sliced cucumbers, or avocado if you're looking for a different taste.
- Monterey Jack Cheese: Try cheddar, provolone, or havarti for a similar melt. For a non-dairy alternative, use plant-based cheese.
- Black Pepper: Substitute with chilli flakes or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a spicier kick.
- Coleslaw: You can replace it with arugula or a fresh mixed greens salad if you prefer a lighter topping.
Equipment
- Cutting Board
- Knife
- Air Fryer
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
How to Store & Reheat
Refrigerating: Wrap tightly in aluminum foil or store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. Place it in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to 2 days.
- Separate Components: For optimal freshness, store the coleslaw separately in a small container. This prevents the sandwich from getting soggy.
Reheating the Sandwich:
Air Fryer:
- Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the sandwich inside and heat for 4-6 minutes until the bread is crispy and the cheese melts.
- Add the coleslaw afterward.
Oven or Toaster Oven (best for maintaining crispness):
- Preheat to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the sandwich (without the coleslaw) in the oven on a baking sheet.
- Heat for 8-10 minutes or until the bread is crispy and the cheese has melted.
- After reheating, add the coleslaw back in to maintain its fresh texture.
3 Top Tips for Success
- Toast the Ciabatta Just Right: Achieving the perfect texture is key. After spreading the pesto butter, toast the ciabatta until it’s golden brown and slightly crispy. This prevents the bread from becoming soggy when you add the fillings, while still maintaining a soft interior.
- Layer Ingredients Strategically: For the best flavor and texture balance, layer the deli meats first, followed by the tomatoes (with salt), and then the cheese on top. Melting the cheese over the other ingredients helps everything hold together, and the warm.
- Add Coleslaw Last: To keep the coleslaw fresh and crunchy, always add it just before serving. If you're prepping in advance, store it separately and add it once the sandwich has been reheated, ensuring the perfect balance of creamy and crisp textures.
FAQs
Yes, you can prepare the sandwich in advance, but for the best texture, store the coleslaw separately to prevent the bread from getting soggy. When ready to eat, reheat the sandwich without the coleslaw, then add it just before serving.
Absolutely! While ciabatta provides a nice, sturdy base, you can substitute it with sourdough, focaccia, or even a baguette depending on your preference. Just ensure the bread you choose can hold up to the fillings and toasting.
To make this sandwich vegetarian, simply replace the deli meats with options like grilled vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers), or portobello mushrooms. The other components, like pesto butter, cheese, and coleslaw, remain just as delicious in a vegetarian version!
Related
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Pairing
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The Ultimate Gourmet Ciabatta Sandwich
Ingredients
- 2 Halve Slices Ciabatta
- 100 g Cooked Ham
- 100 g Spicy Salami
- 100 g Pancetta
- 7 Slices Monterey Jack Cheese
- ½ Tomato
- Kosher Salt
- Black Pepper
- Balsamic Glaze
Coleslaw Mixture
- 1 cup Shredded Cabbage
- 2 tablespoon Caesar Dressing homemade or store-bought
Spread for Bread
- 2 tablespoon Pesto
- 4 tablespoon Butter
- 2 tablespoon Parsley chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Ciabatta: Slice the ciabatta loaf in half horizontally to create your sandwich base.
- Pesto Butter Spread: Generously spread the pesto butter on the cut sides of the ciabatta. Place the halves in the air fryer or oven, and broil until they reach a perfectly golden, crisp texture.
- Layer the Ingredients: Begin assembling the sandwich by layering your choice of deli meats, followed by fresh tomato slices. Lightly sprinkle a pinch of kosher salt over the tomatoes to enhance the flavors.
- Melt the Cheese: Place slices of Monterey Jack cheese on top and return the sandwich to the air fryer or oven until the cheese melts into a luscious layer.
- Add Finishing Touches: Crack some fresh black pepper over the melted cheese for a subtle kick.
- Coleslaw Perfection: Finally, add a generous amount of your coleslaw mixture on top, then close the sandwich.
- Enjoy the delicious, gourmet creation!
Food safety
We sometimes take for a granted that we have years (or decades) of cooking experience, that the average visitor may not. Add to, or remove from, the list below with health and safety tips.
- Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
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